What an interesting, terrorizing for many, and uncertain time we live in! Last weekend on Friday evening (9 or more days ago), we went out to eat in Waite Park. One or two days later, we’d never think about doing this. Church was cancelled, many stores closed, now, most restaurants and hair salons have been closed.
We have food and necessity shortages like I have never lived through. I called my 90+ uncle who is in senior living setting. The assisted living facility delivers his lunch and supper to his apartment so he doesn’t see many of his friends. When he grew up in the 1930’s, despite the Depression causing so many of the necessities being hard to find and living through the national food rations during WWII, he said he he didn’t have to hoard or ration his friends or family. So most of us, shut-ins, rich, poor, sick, healthy, young and old are all dealing with this in the same way.
A new way of doing things:
I had to go to the grocery store. It was not at the senior times 7-8 a.m. I didn’t need toilet paper. I had to have eggs, and despite my daughter-in-law, a nurse, telling me to order on line, I also needed to talk to the pharmacist. As most of you know, I am hard of hearing, so I CHOSE to go inside Coborns. I wore gloves–I am sure I’ll hear about this–winter stretchy gloves. I picked up things cautiously, nonetheless, my fingers never lingering on anything. I could not find hamburger. I like buying under the counter, but that was all packed up and put in coolers. I picked up two fresh burger packages when an older woman (refreshing that not all of us oldsters go to the store at the safest time. In fact, the store was full of us oldsters), said, “It says ‘Limit 1 Lb.'” I didn’t know what she said–talking into the wrong ear–and she repeated herself. I finally looked up. On the shelf above me was the sign alerting me to buy one pound. I am glad the hamburger police are out on patrol, but stores might have done that earlier when the rush was on for other necessities –toilet paper, hand sanitizer, etc. I went on to buy other items, making sure I looked for signs warning me whether I could buy what I needed of certain limited items.
The gyms are closed so my husband and I went for another walk. I just met one of my neighbors; mind you–we returned to Minnesota to this house seven years ago. The neighbor man was outside talking with his brother. We stayed at least six feet, but we finally met. He and Frank take turns plowing others out in our neighborhood. Everyone in the neighborhood knows my husband; I am the anomaly. I know some–especially, those closest to us. But since I am usually in front of my computer or driving off in the car somewhere, and not an outdoor’s girl, some have thought Frank single.
I was surprised when I saw a person in an oncoming car wave at me the other day. When I lived in South Dakota, many people waved at others when they were driving. Friendly, yes, but this natural-born Minnesota girl didn’t get it all the time. Now I realize that this is just another way of connecting–now especially nice when we can’t reach out and touch our loved ones.
We have worrying things going on around us or to us. But I am impressed by the generosity of others with their thoughts, time, and charitable giving. Churches are online for us as well to come to us. I’ve heard lots of people are returning to church this way. I loved “attending” my service at the United Methodist Church in my nightgown. Minister was hopeful and gave an uplifting message. I have faith we will get back to a new normal, but until then, we do what we can to stay healthy, keep others healthy, and normal.
A final new thought–this was for me. It was time for me to move on from one project to another. I decided I had to finish my work researching, writing, and developing and uploading my video of the Reverend Mary MacNicholl, the first woman to received full-clergy rights in the Minnesota Methodist Conference. I had so many problems getting my PowerPoint turned video up on YOU TUBE and synced with the music I had already listed in my credits. I finally fixed what I could and am sending if off tomorrow to my grantor. Now anyone can access this, and unless someone knows how to give it a fine polishing– and does it for me, I am finished. I want to be able to continue writing my third in the series of Minnesota Main Street Women. I have researched a year and have the first chapter started.
Here is my video that I prepared from my essay on Mary MacNicholl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM7n0CrrRLw
So, I hope to hear from some of you. I want to hear your news. I want to hear you’re healthy, but if not, I want to hear that too. Let’s remember to touch base even if we can’t touch physically.
Love, Cindy
P.S. I forgot totally, many of my events are postponed or cancelled for the spring. I’ll keep you informed on my first selling opportunity. If you want to buy a book, look at what I have on my web page, and sending me a note: books@cynthiafrankstupnik.com. I can send it to you.